DISEASES ()F HORSES TREATMENT 169 



Treatment. Turpentine is one of the best and simplest remedies. Give 

 one ounce of turpentine and half a pint of linseed oil as a drench. An ounce 

 of tobacco, once each day, for two weeks, is good. For pinworms inject a quart 

 of warm salt water each day. 



Knuckling. 



This is a deformity of the fetlock joint. It is also known as cocked ankle. 

 It is caused by a sprain of the tendon, or from weakness at birth. 



Other diseases of the foot also bring it about. The hind legs arc usually 

 affected since they do the greater amount of work in carrying the body. 



Symptoms. Dislocation or knuckling forward of the bones in the ankle. 

 The heels do not touch the ground in traveling and this develops clubfoot. 



Treatment. It cannot really be cured in its later stages. Line firing is 

 often effective in treating the disease. Complete rest is needed. Proper shoe- 

 ing should be given. A thick heeled shoe will help. If necessary an operation 

 should be performed by a veterinarian. 



Lockjaw. 



This is a disease of the muscles in the face, neck and body. It usually 

 causes spasms. From the fact that this serious and fatal disease is caused by 

 a germ entering the system from the soil through simple nail pricks, deep 

 cuts, and skin bruises, which heal on the surface, one can see the great care 

 necessary. All cuts should be immediately washed with kerosene oil or 

 hydrogen peroxide. Use a small syringe and probe to the bottom of the wound 

 before releasing the liquid. If the wound can be kept open in pure air it is 

 better as the germ thrives best where there is no oxygen. The poison is 

 easily absorbed in the system. 



Symptoms. In acute attacks the animal will die in four or five days. 

 There is difficulty in chewing and swallowing; the "haw" covers the inner 

 part of the eye; jaws become locked and cannot be opened; noises make the 

 animal go into spasms ; the tail is elevated and immovable ; the muscles are 

 rigid. Lockjaw is different from spinal meningitis. 



Treatment. In a serious wound an injection of serum should be given. 

 Have a veterinarian give it. The animal should be isolated so as to be kept 

 quiet. Seven drams of Barbados aloes and two drams of solid extract of 

 belladonna should be given at once. No treatment can be sure. Often the 

 cost of treatment will be more than the animal is worth. 



Loco Disease. 



This is caused by animals eating the loco weed which grows in the great 

 plain region. Their appetite for hay and grass diminishes, and, owing to the 

 scarcity of nutriment in the plant they starve to death. Barium salts are 

 found in the weed and tend to develop an unsound mind. The animal staggers 

 about and finally loses power to travel. 



